Since 1885 Bates has been making high-quality footwear. Today we are proud to be leaders for first responders and Bates troops. We are tactical led and tactical first because we believe the brave men and women who risk their lives to protect us deserve gear that can back them up.Like the men and women who wear them, Bates boots are designed with duty grade performance to handle the daily pressure and unplanned chaos of the job. Bates boots are built for start-to-finish, 24 7 comfort because when the call comes in, it s time to move out.